How do you use soda ash for alkalinity?

[Firereptile]

I'm trying to get all my parameters in order in preparation for getting my first corals, the last one I need to fix is my alkalinity. I have soda ash from BRS, however it came with no instruction and I'm not sure how to use it. Does anyone have experience on how to use this product?
My current alkalinity is 6.17.

 

[this is me]

The instruction should be on the label. But here you go.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/instructions/article/Instructions-for-Bulk-Packaged-Materials

Alkalinity
*Note* Mixing the alkalinity portion directly in the jug is more difficult to dissolve and may result in clumps forming at the bottom. If clumps occur warm the jug in a sink of hot water and shake vigorously.

1)Fill one of the gallon jugs about 4/5th with RO/DI or filtered water and pour into the empty bucket or bowl

2)Measure out two level cups of Soda Ash.

3)While stirring the water slowly pour the Soda Ash into the bucket or bowl.

4)When dissolved use the funnel to pour the solution into one of the empty gallon jugs

Fill the remainder of the jug with water, cap and label "Alkalinity." Let the solution sit for several hours before use

 

[this is me]

Also calculator for the amount needed to raise your ALK to the desired level. Go slow, I would not raise more than 1dKH per day.
BE CAREFUL! ALK CAN KILL!!
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-calculator

 

[delta]

I would take it from the guy who actually broke down the commercial two part products, not to mention is a member on the BRS

In randy recipe you will pick your method based on your tanks PH, it makes a difference.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/

If you have a hard time dissolving the solution, Just stick the container over a heat vent or hot bath of water(closed tightly of course). really anything to heat the solution

reef calculator gives you a full range buffers to figure out you tank adjustments. But as Nick stated use the calc with care. Best to figure out through testing how much of "X" buffer, adjusts my tank "X"
http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html

In my tank based on my pH I bake 2-1/4 cups of baking soda/sodium bicarbonate spread out on a cookie sheet at 300° for an hour then dissolve it in 1gal of water. Baking the baking soda gives you soda ash/sodium carbonate i.e the product you are using, so you would not be baking. this is more for referencing the fact you can buy this stuff at your grocery store

 

[GobyWanKenobie]

How long do these solutions last in the jug? Do they go bad over time? I go through a lot of the Kent 16 oz. bottles. Maybe I should start mixing by the gallon.

 

[frank180reef]

How long do these solutions last in the jug? Do they go bad over time? I go through a lot of the Kent 16 oz. bottles. Maybe I should start mixing by the gallon.

I go though a gallon in 4 days, I don't bake it but I have a lot of water
It is soooooooo much cheaper

 

[this is me]

How long do these solutions last in the jug? Do they go bad over time? I go through a lot of the Kent 16 oz. bottles. Maybe I should start mixing by the gallon.

I had mine sitting in the reservoir for almost a year(that's how long it took me to use up 3 gallons on my previous tank) without any issue.
As long as it has a close top, I think it should be good for a very long time.

 

[GobyWanKenobie]

Thanks for the info. I used to make my own alk, but was using a water bottle (nano tanks). It became tedius. Now that I know I can mix a gallon at a time, I think I will get BRS or go back to my own mix. The last bottle of alk I bought doesn't seem to keep my parameters in line. I have been dosing consistently for the last few months (same water change schedule) yet recently it's been a challenge to keep my alk at the correct level.

 

[SquareFace]

Thanks for the info. I used to make my own alk, but was using a water bottle (nano tanks). It became tedius. Now that I know I can mix a gallon at a time, I think I will get BRS or go back to my own mix. The last bottle of alk I bought doesn't seem to keep my parameters in line. I have been dosing consistently for the last few months (same water change schedule) yet recently it's been a challenge to keep my alk at the correct level.

Is this challenge to keep the Alk stable common to everyone using 2 part solution? Or has anyone mastered it and has some special advice?

 

[choff]

Is this challenge to keep the Alk stable common to everyone using 2 part solution? Or has anyone mastered it and has some special advice?

Keeping alk stable is a challenge for everyone even us calc reactor users. I test my alk constantly . As your tank grows your alk needs grow. It's a constant adjustment. You do get better at over time.

 

[GobyWanKenobie]

+1 to what choff said. I also think as the weather gets colder we trap more carbon dioxide in our houses and that affects our tanks as well. I was dumb and turned the fan off of my all-in-one tank and within a couple of days I had an alk swing. I guess it needs air movement as well as water movement. The two part is great. I just haven't figured out the new amounts yet.

 

[this is me]

To figure out the new amount in a new tank, I just test the big 3(ALK, CA, and MG) and not dose anything for 3 days and test the big 3 again. Take the delta and use the calculator to see how much I need in that 3 days. Divide this by 3 and you get your daily dose. Dose this amount for a week, and test the big 3 again and adjust add or substract to the original amount. It works pretty well(assuming you follow the instruction on mixing the 2 parts).
I usually test my big 3 weekly on a Saturday morning.

 

[this is me]

This has to do with coral calcification. When you have less air movement in the room and water movement in the tank, your PH will most likely drop. Depending on how badly the PH drops, coral calcification will be affected and therefore the amount of minerals they use for growing changes.

+1 to what choff said. I also think as the weather gets colder we trap more carbon dioxide in our houses and that affects our tanks as well. I was dumb and turned the fan off of my all-in-one tank and within a couple of days I had an alk swing. I guess it needs air movement as well as water movement. The two part is great. I just haven't figured out the new amounts yet.

 

[this is me]

If you can get an accurate doser(one you can calibrate the pump head speed), you can get your parameters pretty stable if you test your tank often and adjust the amount based on your tank consumption. Your tank consumption changes depending on your coral growth and how many new corals you put in or how many you've lost. I don't want to keep posting what I'm using and the method I use to keep my parameters in check but if you search for my post or look at the new tank build thread, you can see my set up and how I use it. I'm not saying it's the best way or anything but it's something that keeps me in this hobby for this long.

Is this challenge to keep the Alk stable common to everyone using 2 part solution? Or has anyone mastered it and has some special advice?

 

[mbian112283]

I did what "this is me" did. Within about 2 weeks I had it all dialed in with my doser.

 

[delta]

You can get 50lbs of Mg(Magflake) or Ca(Dowflakes) for the price the Bulkreefsupply Charges you for a gallon of each. Just check you Home depot or other local stores now it is ice melt season. But if you must pay that kind of money please LMK. I will gladly sell you a gallon of either for the price they charge